RecordNumber
3454
Author
Delacour, Laurence
Crop_Body
Laurence Delacour and Anna Chronaki
Title of Article
THE DISCURSIVE FABRICATION OF THE DESIRED CHILD IN EARLY CHILDHOOD MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN SWEDEN
Title Of Journal
philosophy of mathematics education
Publication Year
2019
Volum
35
Keywords
early childhood education , discourse , mathematics
Abstract
Swedish early years mathematics education is currently under discussion, as it is experiencing transformation on several levels. A few years ago PISA results showed that Sweden ranks below certain highly developed countries. The importance of mathematics has consequently become a prevailing discourse, with the aim of safeguarding a top ranking for Sweden. At the same time, increased population mobility towards Sweden over past decades has resulted in the contemporary school setting being characterised by cultural and linguistic diversity. Based on a series of interviews and observations, this paper analyses how preschool teachers tend to fabricate mathematics education and the desired child in a context where conflicting discourses of school mathematics and early childhood education circulate. This study also explores whether certain children run the risk of being excluded as “other”.